OL:
Looks like you have a little bit of paradise! Wish you luck with your trailer search.

 

OK, it's a done deal. And once again, having folks here and on another site for a sounding board factored in my decision making process. It's really nice to get feedback that you know is coming from real experience.

I opted to drive south ~50 miles to buy a 5x8. The biggest factor, as you might recall is storage in my garage, not how many quads I can get on a trailer. These days, outdoor storage is not part of the equation. I might as well put up a sign that reads "Steal Me". Then my ranch partner, Reckless Dan, suggested that the 5 footer - being 7 feet wide across the fenders - would probably be about 4" too wide to fit through the doors on the line shack over on the 1881 Ranch and I agreed. Not a big deal but a factor that reduces flexibility.

When I got to the trailer dealer - a 40's something Mom & Pop outfit doing business in a wide spot along side the road and BTW, the same guy that sold me my orchestra trailer 10 years ago - we chatted a bit about the very same concerns I posted here earlier, and he steered me directly to a 4x8 trailer, while assuring me that from his personal experience, this would do the job, as well as probably solve my other concerns.

The trailer is a Dargo, manufactured locally (100 miles away). It has 15" wheels, a 3500# axle, is framed with 2"square steel tubing and floored with the standard 2x8 planks.

The dealer even offered to put in writing that he'd give me 3 day approval. If I wasn't happy with it I could bring it back. Ya gotta LOVE doing business with gents like that.

When I got it home, my Rancher fit in it like the trailer was tailor-made for it! and my wife and I both more than once opined how glad we are that we didn't have to shoehorn the 5x8 into place. The 4x8 fits the storage area beautifully.

I should also pick up my new 2004 Recon ES either tomorrow or Tuesday. Kind of giving my new trailer a maiden run.

Thanks for all the good words, gang.